Laser unit for a rotary laser and rotary laser having the same

Abstract

In a laser unit (130) for a rotary laser apparatus (100), the laser unit has a laser module housing (210) in which a laser diode (135) for generating a laser beam (251) and a collimator lens (230) for collimating the laser beam (251) are arranged, wherein the laser diode (135) is assigned a monitor diode (299), and wherein an automatic power regulation circuit (410) is provided for automatically regulating the laser power of the laser diode (135) on the basis of a measurement of the laser power by means of the monitor diode (299), and a photodiode (260) is provided for a measurement of the laser power independent of the monitor diode (299).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a laser unit for a rotating laser instrument, having a laser module housing in which a laser diode for generating a laser beam and a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam are arranged, wherein the laser diode is provided with a monitoring diode, and wherein an automatic power adjustment circuit is provided for automatically adjusting the laser power of the laser diode based on a laser power measurement via the monitoring diode. Background Technology

[0002] A rotating laser instrument having such a laser unit is known in the prior art. The laser unit has a laser module housing, in which a laser diode for generating a laser beam and a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam are arranged. A monitoring diode is disposed thereon. Furthermore, an automatic power adjustment circuit is provided for automatically adjusting the laser power of the laser diode based on laser power measurements via the monitoring diode. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to a laser unit for a rotating laser instrument, comprising a laser module housing in which a laser diode for generating a laser beam and a collimating lens for collimating the laser beam are arranged. The laser diode is equipped with a monitoring diode, and an automatic power adjustment circuit is provided for automatically adjusting the laser power of the laser diode based on laser power measurements taken from the monitoring diode. A photodiode is provided for laser power measurement independent of the monitoring diode.

[0004] Therefore, the present invention can provide a laser unit for a rotating laser instrument, wherein safe and reliable operation can be achieved by measuring laser power independently of the monitoring diode using a photodiode.

[0005] The monitoring diode is preferably a monitoring diode integrated into a laser diode.

[0006] By integrating the monitoring diode into the laser diode, a compact structure for the laser unit can be achieved.

[0007] The photodiode is preferably equipped with a protection circuit. The protection circuit is configured such that if the laser power measured by the photodiode exceeds a predetermined laser power limit, the laser diode is shut down by interrupting the current supply to the laser diode via the control circuit, or the automatic power adjustment circuit is shut down via the control circuit.

[0008] Therefore, the safe operation of the laser unit can be achieved simply and without complexity.

[0009] The laser diode is preferably equipped with a laser diode holder, the photodiode is equipped with a photodiode holder, and / or the collimating lens is equipped with a collimating lens holder.

[0010] Therefore, a safe and stable arrangement of laser diodes, photodiodes, and / or collimating lenses in the laser unit can be achieved.

[0011] Preferably, the laser module housing has a receiving portion, which constitutes a laser diode holder for accommodating a laser diode and a photodiode holder for accommodating a photodiode, wherein a beam splitter is arranged in the receiving portion, and wherein the laser diode is arranged on the incident side of the beam splitter and the photodiode is arranged on the emitting side of the beam splitter.

[0012] Therefore, laser diode holders and photodiode holders can be provided simply and without complexity, and a compact structure of the laser unit can be achieved by using a beam splitter.

[0013] Preferably, the collimating lens is arranged on the other exit side of the beam splitter.

[0014] Therefore, the proper arrangement of the collimating lens can be achieved in a simple way.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the laser module housing has a first receiving portion configured as a photodiode holder for accommodating a photodiode; and a second receiving portion configured as a laser diode holder for accommodating a laser diode, wherein the first receiving portion is arranged perpendicular to the second receiving portion, and the second receiving portion is arranged collinearly with the optical axis of the collimating lens.

[0016] Therefore, alternative constructions for photodiode holders and laser diode holders can be easily and uncomplicated.

[0017] Preferably, the first receiving portion is arranged spaced apart from the second receiving portion along the longitudinal extension of the laser module housing.

[0018] Therefore, a suitable arrangement of the second receiving portion relative to the first receiving portion can be achieved in a simple manner, and this arrangement enables independent laser power measurement via photodiodes.

[0019] Preferably, the first receiving portion is arranged along the direction of maximum divergence in the radiation characteristics of the laser diode.

[0020] Therefore, the laser unit can be operated safely and reliably.

[0021] According to one embodiment, a circuit board is provided, on which a laser diode and a photodiode are arranged, wherein the circuit board and the photodiode holder are arranged on the laser diode holder.

[0022] Therefore, another configuration of photodiode holders and laser diode holders can be easily and uncomplicatedly implemented.

[0023] Preferably, the circuit board has at least one first circuit board segment and a second circuit board segment arranged perpendicular to or parallel to the first circuit board segment, wherein the laser diode is arranged on the first circuit board segment and the photodiode is arranged on the second circuit board segment.

[0024] Therefore, it is possible to achieve a safe and reliable arrangement of photodiodes and laser diodes on the circuit board.

[0025] Preferably, the circuit board is constructed as a flexible circuit board.

[0026] Therefore, the second circuit board segment of the circuit board can be arranged perpendicularly or parallel to the first circuit board segment in a simple way.

[0027] Preferably, the laser module housing has a receiving portion that constitutes a collimating lens holder.

[0028] Therefore, alternative configurations for collimating lens holders can be easily and uncomplicated.

[0029] Preferably, the distance between the laser diode and the collimating lens is variable, wherein the laser diode holder of the laser diode is movably arranged in the receiving portion of the laser module housing in a manner extending longitudinally along the laser module housing, and / or the collimating lens holder of the collimating lens is movably arranged in the inner receiving portion of the laser module housing in a manner extending longitudinally along the laser module housing, wherein the inner receiving portion is arranged collinearly with the optical axis of the collimating lens.

[0030] Therefore, the distance between the laser diode and the collimating lens can be adjusted in a simple way.

[0031] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a rotating laser device having the aforementioned laser unit.

[0032] Therefore, the present invention can provide a rotating laser instrument with a laser unit, wherein the laser unit and thus the rotating laser instrument can be safely and reliably operated by means of laser power measurement by a photodiode independent of the monitoring diode. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The invention will now be described in more detail with the aid of embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 A perspective view of a rotating laser device with a laser unit according to the present invention. Figure 2 Figure 1 A schematic view of the laser unit in the image. Figure 3 Assigned to Figure 1 and Figure 2 A schematic view of the circuit board of the laser unit in the diagram. Figure 4 Assigned to Figure 1 A schematic view of the first circuit of the laser unit in the image. Figure 5 Figure 1 A schematic view of an alternative configuration of the laser unit in the image. Figure 6 Figure 1 An exploded stereo view of another configuration of the laser unit in the image. Figure 7 Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the laser unit in the image. Figure 8 Assigned to Figure 1 A schematic view of the second circuit of the laser unit in the image. Figure 9 Assigned to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A perspective view of the circuit board containing the laser unit, which includes a laser diode and a photodiode. Figure 10 along Figure 9 The direction of arrow 901 in the image is observed. Figure 9 A view of a circuit board containing laser diodes and photodiodes. Figure 11 Figure 1 A schematic view of an alternative configuration of the laser unit in the image. Figure 12 Assigned to Figure 6 and Figure 7 A perspective view of an alternative circuit board for the laser unit, which includes a laser diode and a photodiode. Figure 13 Figure 12 Top view of the first side of the circuit board. Figure 14 Figure 12 and Figure 13 A top view of the second side of the circuit board. Figure 15 Figures 12 to 14A perspective view of the circuit board in its installed state and its fixing components. Figure 16 Figure 6 and Figure 7 The laser unit in Figures 12 to 15 A three-dimensional view of the circuit board in the image. Figure 17 Figure 16 A three-dimensional view of the laser unit and the shielding components arranged on the circuit board. Figure 18 Figure 17 A three-dimensional view of the laser unit and circuit board, and a three-dimensional view of the shielding components, and Figure 19 Figure 18 A cross-sectional view of the laser unit in the image. Detailed Implementation

[0034] In the accompanying drawings, elements with the same or similar functions are represented by the same reference numerals and are described in detail only once.

[0035] Figure 1 An exemplary rotating laser device 100 is shown, which has a laser housing 110, in which a laser unit 130 is arranged, the laser unit 130 having a function for generating a laser beam. Figure 2 The laser diode 135 (251) is also referred to in this invention. In the context of this invention, "rotating laser" can also be understood as a building laser or a leveling laser. Furthermore, a drive unit 120 for rotating the drive shaft 125 is exemplary arranged in the laser housing 110.

[0036] The laser unit 130 is illustrated as being arranged on the drive shaft 125 such that, through the rotation of the drive shaft 125, the laser beam generated by the laser unit 130 ( Figure 2 The drive shaft 125 (251) rotates in the plane to which it is assigned. For this purpose, the drive shaft 125 is preferably equipped with a rotating head 160 and a beam deflector 165. The beam deflector 165 is preferably configured to deflect the laser beam ( Figure 2 254 in the middle), thus the laser beam ( Figure 2 (254) projects out a distributed plane. Alternatively, beam deflector 165 is configured as a beam splitter, thereby projecting a beam along the laser axis in addition to the projected plane. Figure 2 (254) The laser beam is emitted perpendicular to the laser plane. Depending on the configuration of the rotating laser device 100, the projected plane can be horizontal, vertical, or, for example, extended at a defined angle to the Earth's surface. The drive unit 120 is preferably configured as an electric motor.

[0037] Furthermore, an electronic unit 190 with an adjustment and monitoring device 195 is preferably arranged in the laser housing 110. The adjustment and monitoring device 195 is preferably configured to adjust the laser power of the laser unit 130 according to the operating mode. Here, the rotational speed of the drive shaft 125 of the drive unit 120 is controlled or adjusted. For this purpose, the drive shaft 125 is preferably equipped with a calculation unit 170.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the laser housing 110 is provided with a protective cover 112, which is associated with the rotating head 160 and is used to prevent the rotating head 160 from being impacted.

[0039] The electronic unit 190 preferably includes an operation unit 150, which has a display 151 and / or an input unit 152. The operation unit 150 is preferably connected to the electronic unit 190, and in particular to the adjustment and monitoring device 195, in terms of control or regulation technology. The input unit 152 preferably includes at least one keyboard. In a minimal configuration, the input unit 152 has only one on / off switch, particularly an on / off button. Alternatively, the input unit 152 may have a rotary adjuster, a touchscreen, a slider, a remote control, etc. Through the input unit 152, the user can, for example, input the rotational speed of the drive shaft 125. Alternatively, the rotational speed of the laser unit 130 may be automatically adjustable in an operating mode.

[0040] Preferably, the rotating laser device 100 has a leveling unit 180. The leveling unit 180 preferably includes at least one tilt sensor 184 configured to determine the tilt of the rotating head 160, particularly the beam deflector 165, and / or the laser unit 130, relative to a predetermined, preferably horizontal, orientation or relative to a vertical line. Furthermore, the leveling unit 180 preferably includes at least one tilt adjustment motor 182 configured to, based on the azimuth determined by the at least one tilt sensor 184, preferably the tilt of the laser unit 130 and / or the rotating head 160, preferably align the rotating head 160, particularly the beam deflector 165, and / or the laser unit 130, preferably relative to a vertical line.

[0041] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1An exemplary configuration of the laser unit 130 of the rotating laser instrument 100 is shown. The laser unit 130 is schematically provided with a laser module housing 210, in which a laser diode 135 for generating a laser beam 251 and a collimating lens 230 for collimating the laser beam 251 are arranged. A monitoring diode 299 is provided with the laser diode 135. The monitoring diode 299 is configured to measure the laser power associated with the laser diode 135. According to one embodiment, the monitoring diode 299 is a monitoring diode integrated into the laser diode 135. Such a laser diode 135 with an integrated monitoring diode 299 is well known from the prior art, and therefore, for the sake of brevity, will not be described in further detail here.

[0042] According to the present invention, the laser unit 130 has a photodiode 260 configured to perform laser power measurement independently of the monitoring diode 299.

[0043] Preferably, the laser diode 135 is equipped with a laser diode holder 295. Figure 6 In the 660), photodiode 260 is equipped with photodiode holder 265 ( Figure 6 The collimating lens 230 (622) and / or the collimating lens 230 are provided with a collimating lens holder 220. The collimating lens holder 220 is arranged in the internal receiving portion 212 of the laser module housing 210. The internal receiving portion 212 is oriented along the longitudinal extension 201 of the preferably cylindrical laser module housing 210. Furthermore, the internal receiving portion 212 is preferably arranged collinearly with the optical axis 232 of the collimating lens 230.

[0044] Preferably, the distance 290 between the laser diode 135 and the collimating lens 230 is variable. For this purpose, the collimating lens holder 220 is preferably arranged in a manner movable within the internal receiving portion 212 along a longitudinal extension 201 of the laser module housing 210. The collimating lens 230 is preferably provided with an aperture 240.

[0045] As illustrated, the internal receiving portion 212 has a lower receiving region 213, which widens into an upper receiving region 214 via a bottom surface 215. Exemplarily, the illustrated lower section 221 of the collimating lens holder 220 is disposed in the lower receiving region 213 of the internal receiving portion 212, and the illustrated upper section 222 of the collimating lens holder 220 is preferably disposed in the upper receiving region 214 of the internal receiving portion 212. Here, the lower side 225 of the upper section 222 schematically abuts against the bottom surface 215 of the upper receiving region 214. The upper section 222 of the collimating lens holder 220 exemplarily has a lens receiving portion 223 in which the collimating lens 230 is disposed.

[0046] The collimating lens 230 is illustrated to have an optical axis 232. The laser beam 251 is collimated along the optical axis 232. The optical axis 232 is preferably arranged parallel to the longitudinal extension 201 of the laser module housing 210 within a pre-given tolerance. In the context of this invention, the optical axis 232 should be understood as a straight line passing through the center, and in particular the center of curvature, of the optical device (here, the lens or collimating lens 230).

[0047] according to Figure 2 The laser unit 130 has a beam splitter 270 that preferably splits the laser beam 251 emitted by the laser diode 135 into two outgoing laser beams 252 and 253. For this purpose, the laser diode 135 is arranged on the incident side 271 of the beam splitter 270. A photodiode 260 is preferably arranged on the outgoing side 272 of the beam splitter 270. Preferably, a collimating lens 230 is arranged on the other outgoing side 273 of the beam splitter 270.

[0048] The laser module housing 210 preferably has a receiving portion 211, which constitutes a laser diode holder 295 for accommodating a laser diode 135 and a photodiode holder 265 for accommodating a photodiode 260. Preferably, the receiving portion 211 is arranged along a transverse direction 202 perpendicular to the longitudinal extension 201 of the laser module housing 210. Preferably, a beam splitter 270 is also arranged in the receiving portion 211.

[0049] As illustrated, laser diode 135 is arranged on the right side of beam splitter 270, while photodiode 260 is arranged on the left side of beam splitter 270. Therefore, laser diode 135 and photodiode 260 are illustratedly offset from each other by 180° or arranged opposite each other on beam splitter 270. Alternatively, laser diode 135 can also be illustratedly arranged on the left side of beam splitter 270, while photodiode 260 can be illustratedly arranged on the right side of beam splitter 270. Alternatively, laser diode 135 and photodiode 260 can also be arranged at different angles to each other, for example, offset from each other by 90°.

[0050] The laser beam 251 is schematically split into an output laser beam 252 through a guided photodiode 260 and an output laser beam 253 through a guided collimating lens 230. The laser beam 253 is collimated, converged, or focused into a collimated laser beam 254 by the collimating lens 230. Here, the light rays of the laser beam 253 are substantially aligned parallel by the collimating lens 230, so that they diverge to a minimum during propagation.

[0051] Figure 3 It shows the assignment to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The circuit board 300 of the laser unit 130 is provided. Preferably, the circuit board 300 has the following components arranged on it: Figure 1 and Figure 2 Laser diode 135 and Figure 2 The photodiode 260 is included. Preferably, circuit portions 310 are arranged on the circuit board 300. As illustrated, three circuit portions 310 are arranged on the circuit board 300. However, it should be noted that the circuit board 300 may have any number of circuit portions 310.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the circuit board 300 is constructed as a flexible and foldable circuit board. Here, the segments of the circuit board 300 can be arranged at a predetermined angle or parallel to each other.

[0053] Figure 4 It shows the assignment to Figure 1 The circuit 400 of the laser unit 130. Circuit 400 preferably includes at least one automatic power adjustment circuit 410 associated with the laser diode 135 and a circuit associated with a corresponding photodiode, such as... Figure 2 The protection circuit 420 for the photodiode 260 in the middle.

[0054] Laser diode 135 is schematically connected to automatic power regulation circuit 410 via connection 421. Automatic power regulation circuit 410 is preferably configured to operate based on a monitoring diode (e.g., associated with laser diode 135) Figure 2 The laser power of the laser diode 135 is automatically adjusted by measuring the laser power of the monitoring diode 299. Preferably, the connection 421 is bidirectional. This automatic power adjustment circuit 410 is well known from the prior art and will not be described in detail here. Exemplarily, the automatic power adjustment circuit 410 is constructed as an integral regulator.

[0055] The laser beam emitted by laser diode 135 is also directed to photodiode 260, as visualized by arrow 402. In another configuration, arrow 402 may also visualize or include stray light. Photodiode 260 is preferably connected to protection circuit 420 via connection 422. Preferably, connection 422 is unidirectional. Preferably, the photocurrent obtained by photodiode 260 is transmitted to protection circuit 420 via connection 422.

[0056] As described above, the photodiode 260 is configured for interaction with... Figure 2 The monitoring diode 299 in the circuit provides independent laser power measurement. The protection circuit 420 is preferably connected to the automatic power adjustment circuit 410 via control line 423, and the automatic power adjustment circuit 410 can be disabled via control line 423 if the laser power measured by photodiode 260 exceeds a predetermined laser power limit.

[0057] Furthermore, other circuit components 430 are preferably connected to the protection circuit 420 via connection 425. Preferably, other circuit components 430 are connected to the automatic power regulation circuit 410 via connection 424. Other circuit components 430 include, for example, a current / voltage supply unit and / or a control unit, especially… Figure 1 Rotating laser 100 Figure 1 The electronic unit 190 in it.

[0058] Preferably, the laser power is adjusted based on a comparison between the laser power measured by the monitoring diode 299 and a pre-defined laser power rating. Here, the laser power rating is less than the laser power limit for the protection circuit 420. The laser power rating and the laser power limit are configured, for example, by a control circuit associated with the circuit section 430, and are preferably variable.

[0059] Figure 5 It shows Figure 1 An alternative configuration of the laser unit 130 includes a laser diode 135, a photodiode 260, and a collimating lens 230. Similar to... Figure 2 The collimating lens holder 220 is arranged in the upper receiving area 214 of the exemplary inner receiving portion 212.

[0060] according to Figure 5 The collimating lens holder 220 only has Figure 2 The upper section 222 of the collimating lens holder 220. Preferably, the lower side 225 of the upper section 222 of the collimating lens holder 220 abuts against the bottom surface 215 of the upper receiving area 214. Here, the collimating lens holder 220 is preferably fixed, i.e., immovably arranged in the inner receiving portion 212.

[0061] The laser diode holder 295 of the laser diode 135 is illustrated to have a base 510 with an internal receiving portion 511 in which the laser diode 135 is disposed. Preferably, the laser diode holder 295 is disposed in a receiving portion 502 of the laser module housing 210. The receiving portion 502 is preferably arranged collinearly with the optical axis 232 of the collimating lens 230. Here, the center point of the receiving portion 502 is arranged on the optical axis 232. According to one embodiment, the laser diode holder 295 is arranged in a manner movable within the receiving portion 502 along a longitudinal extension 201 of the laser module housing 210 to adjust the distance 290 between the laser diode 135 and the collimating lens 230.

[0062] Furthermore, the laser module housing 210 exemplarily has a receiving portion 501, which is arranged perpendicular to the receiving portion 502 of the laser diode holder 295 within a predetermined tolerance range. Here, the receiving portion 501 is illustrated as being arranged perpendicular to the internal receiving portion 212 of the laser module housing 210 within a predetermined tolerance range. The receiving portion 501 is illustrated as being constructed in the lower section 213 of the internal receiving portion 212 of the laser module housing 210. Exemplarily, the receiving portion 501 is constructed as a photodiode holder 265.

[0063] The receiving portion 501 or photodiode holder 265 is schematically arranged spaced apart from the receiving portion 502 of the laser diode holder 295 along the longitudinal extension 201 of the laser module housing 210. Here, the receiving portion 501 is preferably arranged along the radiation characteristics of the laser diode 135 (…). Figure 9 The direction of maximum divergence in 911) Figure 9 (922) Arrangement. Therefore, the photocurrent associated with the photodiode 260 preferably originates from the stray light of the laser diode 135, which is due to the divergence of the uncollimated laser beam 253 of the laser diode 135.

[0064] The laser diode 135 and the photodiode 260 can be arranged on a separate circuit board. Here, the circuit board is preferably constructed as a rigid or flexible circuit board.

[0065] Figure 6 It shows Figure 1 Another configuration of the laser unit 130 in which the laser diode 135 and photodiode 260 are exemplarily arranged on a common circuit board 300. Preferably, as described above, the circuit board 300 is constructed as a flexible and foldable circuit board.

[0066] As illustrated, the circuit board 300 has at least one first circuit board segment 611 and one second circuit board segment 610. Preferably, the second circuit board segment 610 is constructed in a stamped and bent manner. Exemplarily, the second circuit board segment 610 is arranged approximately perpendicular to the first circuit board segment 611. Here, the first circuit board segment 611 preferably forms a bottom segment 611, while the second circuit board segment 610 forms a wall segment 610. The laser diode 135 is preferably disposed on the first circuit board segment 611, or the bottom segment 611, while the photodiode 260 is disposed on the second circuit board segment 610, or the wall segment 610.

[0067] Preferably, the first circuit board segment 611 is provided with contact elements 625. The contact elements 625 are used to make electrical contact between the circuit board 300 and at least one power source.

[0068] The photodiode 260, particularly the second circuit board section 610, is preferably equipped with a photodiode holder 622. The laser diode 135 is preferably equipped with a laser diode holder 660. The laser diode holder 660 is used to arrange the laser diode 135 in the laser module housing 210. Here, the laser diode holder 660 is preferably arranged in the internal receiving portion 643 of the laser module housing 210.

[0069] The laser diode holder 660 is illustrated to have a cylindrical base 635 with an internal receiving portion 636. Furthermore, the cylindrical base 635 exemplarily has a receiving portion 631 on its outer periphery, which has a groove for arranging the photodiode 260 within the internal receiving portion 636 of the laser diode holder 660. Figure 7 (721 in the diagram). On the side facing away from the laser module housing 210, the laser diode holder 660 schematically has a peripheral flange 637. The peripheral flange 637 exemplarily has a groove 632 belonging to the receiving portion 631, the groove 632 being configured to arrange the photodiode holder 622 in the receiving portion 631.

[0070] The laser module housing 210 preferably has a cylindrical base 641, which has an internal receiving portion 643 for outputting the collimated laser light generated by the laser diode 135. Figure 2 and Figure 5 Laser beam 254. Here, the internal housing 643 preferably assumes the role of... Figure 2 The function of the aperture 240 in the laser module housing 210 is as follows. Preferably, the laser module housing 210 has a peripheral flange 642 facing the laser diode 135.

[0071] A flexible and foldable circuit board 300 is exemplarily arranged on the laser diode holder 660. For this purpose, the first circuit board segment 611 is preferably arranged on the peripheral flange 637 such that the laser diode 135 is arranged in the internal receiving portion 636 of the laser diode holder 660. When the laser diode 135 is arranged in the internal receiving portion 636, the second circuit board segment 610 with the photodiode holder 622 is not arranged perpendicular to the first circuit board segment 611. Thus, the second circuit board segment 610 can be bent through the groove 632 and arranged in the receiving portion 631 of the laser diode holder 660. Preferably, the photodiode holder 622 is fixed to the laser diode holder 660, preferably fixed to the receiving portion 631 of the laser diode holder 660. By bending, the second circuit board segment 610 is arranged approximately perpendicular to the first circuit board segment 611, so that the photodiode 260 is similar to... Figure 5 The laser beam 253 is basically perpendicular to the laser diode 135. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The launch direction is arranged at 601.

[0072] The collimating lens 230 is preferably arranged and fixed in the internal receiving portion 643 of the laser module housing 210. A laser diode holder 660, which includes the circuit board 300, the laser diode 135, and the photodiode 260, is also arranged in the internal receiving portion 643. For this purpose, the laser diode holder 660 is pressed into the internal receiving portion 643 of the laser module housing 210, for example.

[0073] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The laser unit 130 is in the installed state. Here, the collimating lens 230 is preferably arranged in and fixed in the upper receiving section 711 of the illustrated inner receiving portion 643. The receiving section 711 is configured here as a collimating lens holder 220. The collimating lens 230 is preferably fixed in the inner receiving portion 643 or the receiving section 711 by a material-locking connection, especially an adhesive connection and / or a press-fit connection.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, the cylindrical base 635 of the laser diode holder 660 is arranged in the internal receiving portion 643, particularly in the illustrated underground receiving section 712. Preferably, a compression connection is formed at least sectionally between the outer periphery 713 of the cylindrical base 635 and the receiving section 712. Alternatively, the cylindrical base 635 can be fixed in the internal receiving portion 643 or the receiving section 712 by a material-locking connection.

[0075] Furthermore, preferably, the first circuit board segment 611 of the flexible and foldable circuit board 300 is fixed to the laser diode holder 660. Preferably, the first circuit board segment 611 is fixed to the laser diode holder 660 by a material-locking connection 1898. Preferably, the material-locking connection 1898 is formed between the upper side 732 of the first circuit board segment 611 of the flexible and foldable circuit board 300 facing the laser diode holder 660 and the lower side 731 of the peripheral flange 637 of the laser diode holder 660 facing the first circuit board segment 611.

[0076] Furthermore, the second circuit board segment 610 of the flexible and foldable circuit board 300 is preferably secured to the photodiode holder 622 via a material-locking connection 1899. Specifically, the side 735 of the second circuit board segment 610 facing away from the photodiode 260 is illustratedly secured to the side 736 of the photodiode holder 622 facing the second circuit board segment 610 via the material-locking connection 1899. The photodiode holder 622 is preferably secured in the internal receiving portion 643 by a press-fit, preferably in an exemplary lower receiving segment 712 of the laser module housing 210. According to one embodiment, at least one material-locking connection 1898, 1899 is an adhesive connection.

[0077] also, Figure 7 A laser diode holder 660 is shown, having a cylindrical base 635 with a receiving portion 631 on its outer periphery. The receiving portion 631 preferably has a groove 721 for arranging a photodiode 260 within the internal receiving portion 636 of the laser diode holder 660. Preferably, the groove 721 is arranged perpendicular to the receiving portion 631 within a pre-given tolerance.

[0078] Figure 8 It shows the assignment to Figure 2 or Figures 5 to 7 An exemplary circuit 800 of the laser unit 130 in the example. Similar to Figure 4 Circuits 400 and 800 in the circuit exemplarily include a protection circuit 420 associated with photodiode 260, which is connected to other circuit parts 430 via connection 425, and an automatic power regulation circuit 410 associated with laser diode 135, which is connected to other circuit parts 430 via connection 424. As described above, other circuit parts 430 include, for example, current / voltage supply units and / or control units, especially... Figure 1 Rotating laser 100 Figure 1 The electronic unit 190 in it.

[0079] Photodiode 260 is illustrated to be optically coupled to laser diode 135 via stray light 811 associated with laser diode 135. Alternatively, it can be coupled via a beam splitter, for example... Figure 2 The beam splitter 270 or Figure 2 The beam splitter 270 in the laser diode 260 is optically coupled to the output side 272. The automatic power adjustment circuit 410 measures the laser power using the photocurrent of the monitoring diode 299 integrated in the laser diode 135 and adjusts the current supply to the laser diode 260. The protection circuit 420 measures the laser power using the photocurrent of the photodiode 260.

[0080] The protection circuit 420 is preferably configured such that if the laser power measured by the photodiode 260 exceeds a predetermined laser power limit, the laser diode 135 is disabled via the control line 812 by interrupting the current supply line 813 associated with the laser diode 135. Alternatively, the protection circuit 420 disables the laser diode 135 via the associated control line (e.g., ...). Figure 4 The automatic power regulation circuit 410 is deactivated.

[0081] Figure 9 It shows Figure 6 and Figure 7 The flexible and foldable circuit board 300 includes a first circuit board segment 611 on which a laser diode 135 is arranged, and a second circuit board segment 610, illustrated and arranged perpendicular to the first circuit board segment 611, which includes a photodiode 260 and a photodiode holder 622. Preferably, the laser diode 135 has a radiation characteristic 911 with divergence, i.e., broadening of the laser beam 253 over a certain distance, and this radiation characteristic has an elliptical cross-section 920. The divergence of the laser beam 253 emitted by the laser diode 135 is preferably formed perpendicular to the optical axis 912 of the laser beam 253.

[0082] Due to the elliptical cross-section, the divergence preferably has a relatively small value in the first direction 921 perpendicular to the optical axis 912, and a relatively large value in the second direction 922, which is arranged perpendicular to both the optical axis 912 and the first direction 921. To couple stray light 811 into the photodiode 260 as well as possible, the photodiode 260 is therefore preferably positioned relative to the laser diode 135 substantially / approximately along the direction 922 of maximum divergence.

[0083] Given the divergence of the laser diode 135, the appropriate positions of the photodiode 260 relative to the optical axis 912 of the laser beam 253 of the laser diode 135 in the radial direction 902 and axial direction 903 can be determined. These positions allow the protection circuit 420 to perform laser power measurement with a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio, while simultaneously eliminating interference between the photodiode 260 and the laser diode 135. Figures 5 to 7 The optical path between the laser diode 135 and the collimating lens 230 is obstructed.

[0084] Figure 10 It shows along Figure 9The arrangement of the photodiode 260 relative to the laser diode 135, viewed in the direction of arrow 901, is used to illustrate the radiation characteristics 911 of the laser diode 135. This shows the elliptical cross-section 920 and a first direction 921 preferably belonging to the minimum divergence and a second direction 922 preferably belonging to the maximum divergence. As described above, the photodiode 260 is preferably arranged substantially / approximately in the direction of maximum divergence 922.

[0085] Figure 11 It shows Figure 2 The laser unit 130 has an alternative configuration of a collimating lens holder 220. The collimating lens holder 220 preferably has only a lens receiving portion 223 in which the collimating lens 230 is disposed. The outer periphery 1105 of the collimating lens holder 220 is preferably disposed in an internal receiving portion 212 of the laser module housing 210. Here, the collimating lens holder 220 is illustrated to be movable within the internal receiving portion 212 along a longitudinal extension 201 of the laser module housing 210 to adjust the distance 290 between the laser diode 135 and the collimating lens 230.

[0086] Figure 12 It shows Figure 3 The flexible and foldable circuit board 300 is in an unfolded state. Viewed from the upper side 1201 of the circuit board 300, it has a first circuit board segment 611 (on which a laser diode 135 is arranged) and a second circuit board segment 610 with a photodiode 260. Here, the second circuit board segment 610 is illustrated to be arranged in the same plane 1290 as the first circuit board segment 611.

[0087] As illustrated, a third circuit board segment 1220 is provided, which can be arranged parallel to the first circuit board segment 611. As illustrated, the third circuit board segment 1220 is also arranged in plane 1290. The third circuit board segment 1220 is preferably connected to the first circuit board segment 611 via a connecting segment 1230.

[0088] Preferably, the first circuit board segment 611 or the third circuit board segment 1220 is connected to the contact element 1210 via a flexible connection segment 1240. Illustrated, the third circuit board segment 1220 is connected to the contact element 1210 via the flexible connection segment 1240. The contact element 1210 is preferably formed only on the upper side 1201 of the circuit board 300.

[0089] Figure 13 The image shown is viewed from the upper side 1201 in plane 1290. Figure 12The circuit board 300 is flexible and foldable. Preferably, the first circuit board segment 611, the third circuit board segment 1220, and / or the contact element 1210 have reinforcing elements 1310, 1320, and 1340. Illustrated, the first circuit board segment 611 is provided with reinforcing element 1310, the third circuit board segment 1220 is provided with reinforcing element 1320, and the contact element 1210 is provided with reinforcing element 1340.

[0090] For example, the first circuit board segment 611 is at least segmentally provided with fixing elements 1350 for use with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The laser diode holder 660 forms a material-locking connection 1898. Preferably, the fixing element 1350 is double-sided adhesive tape.

[0091] Figure 14 It shows from and Figure 12 and Figure 13 The view from the upper side 1201 relative to the lower side 1401, located in plane 1290 Figure 12 and Figure 13 The circuit board 300 is flexible and foldable. The first circuit board segment 611 and / or the third circuit board segment 1220 preferably have electrical components 1420 and 1430 on the lower side 1401. As illustrated, electrical component 1420 is associated with the first circuit board segment 611, and electrical component 1430 is associated with the third circuit board segment 1220.

[0092] Preferably, the second circuit board segment 610 is provided with reinforcing elements 1450. Preferably, the second circuit board segment 610 is provided with fixing elements 1410 at least in sections for use with... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The photodiode holder 622 forms a material-locked connection 1899. Preferably, the fixing element 1410 is double-sided tape.

[0093] Figure 15 It shows Figures 12 to 14 The flexible and foldable circuit board 300 is in a folded state, wherein the second circuit board segment 610 is arranged at least approximately perpendicular to the first circuit board segment 611, and the third circuit board segment 1220 is arranged at least approximately parallel to the first circuit board segment 611. Furthermore, as illustrated, the flexible connection segment 1240 is folded. Figure 15 Fixing element 1350 belonging to the first circuit board section 611 and fixing element 1410 belonging to the second circuit board section 610 are also shown.

[0094] Preferably, the first and third circuit board sections 611 and 1220 form a receiving portion 1510. The receiving portion 1510 is preferably constructed in a sandwich structure. Spacer elements can preferably be arranged in the receiving portion 1510. Figure 16 (1610 in the example). Exemplarily, the first and / or third circuit board segments 611, 1220 are at least segmentally provided with fixing elements 1520, 1530 for forming a material-locking connection ( Figure 16 (1896, 1897).

[0095] Figure 16 It shows Figure 6 and Figure 7 The laser unit 130 in the middle has Figures 12 to 15 The circuit board 300 is flexible and foldable. A spacer element 1610 is arranged in the receiving portion 1510 formed between the first and third circuit board sections 611 and 1220. The bending radius of the connecting section 1230 of the circuit board 300 can be controlled by the spacer element 1610, particularly by its sufficient thickness. Furthermore, the spacer element 1610 serves as electrical insulation to prevent short circuits between the first and third circuit board sections 611 and 1220. Simultaneously, the components 1420 and 1430 arranged on the first and / or third circuit board sections 611 and 1220 are also mechanically protected.

[0096] The spacer element 1610 is preferably fixed to the first circuit board segment 611 and / or the third circuit board segment 1220 by material-locking connections 1897 and 1896. Preferably, the material-locking connections 1897 and 1896 are adhesive connections, wherein the fixing element 1520 belonging to the first circuit board segment 611 and / or the fixing element 1530 belonging to the third circuit board segment 1220 respectively form adhesive connections 1896 and 1897 with the spacer element 1610. Preferably, the spacer element 1610 is made of a non-conductive material.

[0097] Preferably, the spacer element 1610 is made of a soft material. Exemplarily, the spacer element 1610 is made of foam, rubber, or felt. Alternatively, the spacer element 1610 is an injection-molded part.

[0098] also, Figure 16 The connection 1898 of the first circuit board segment 611 to the laser diode holder 660 via an exemplary fixing element 1350 is shown.

[0099] Figure 17 It shows Figure 16The laser unit 130 is shown. As illustrated, a flexible and foldable circuit board 300 is provided with shielding elements 1700. Preferably, the shielding elements 1700 are fixed to the flexible and foldable circuit board 300 by material-locking connections, snap-fit ​​connections, and / or compression connections. Preferably, the shielding elements 1700 are arranged on the flexible connection section 1240.

[0100] Preferably, the shielding element 1700 is made of ferrite. The shielding element 1700 is configured to improve the electromagnetic compatibility of the laser unit 130.

[0101] Figure 18 It shows Figure 17 The laser unit 130 is shown in the diagram, with the shielding element 1700 arranged beside the flexible connection section 1240. Preferably, the flexible and foldable circuit board 300 has receiving areas 1815, 1816, which are preferably defined by lateral strips 1811, 1812, 1813, 1814. Exemplarily, the shielding element 1700 has an internal receiving portion 1831 for arrangement in the receiving areas 1815, 1816 of the flexible and foldable circuit board 300.

[0102] As illustrated, the contact element 1210 has a width 1821, which is widened to the width 1822 of the receiving areas 1815, 1816 via at least one ramped strip 1813, 1814, and illustrated via two opposing ramped strips 1813, 1814. The two ramped strips 1813, 1814 preferably form a locking function with an abutment edge 1818. The abutment edge 1818 preferably prevents the shielding element 1700 from slipping out of the receiving areas 1815, 1816 of the circuit board 300.

[0103] Preferably, at least one slat, illustrated floor slats 1811 and 1812, is constructed as a protrusion and forms a stop function. The slats 1811, 1812, 1813, and 1814 preferably have a width greater than the width 1822 formed between the receiving regions 1815 and 1816. Alternatively or optionally, a compression fit is formed between the receiving regions 1815 and 1816 and the internal receiving portion 1831 of the shielding element 1700 due to the excessive size of the receiving regions 1815 and 1816.

[0104] The shielding element 1700 is preferably pushed onto the circuit board 300 in the area of ​​the contact element 1210 during installation and arranged in the receiving areas 1815 and 1816 by ramp-shaped strips 1813 and 1814.

[0105] Figure 19 It shows Figure 17 and Figure 18The laser unit 130 includes a shielding element 1700 located on a flexible connection section 1240 of a flexible and foldable circuit board 300. Furthermore, Figure 19 Material-locking connections 1896, 1897, 1898, and 1899 are shown, which are exemplarily formed by means of fixing elements, particularly adhesive elements 1520, 1530, 1350, and 1410, respectively. Preferably, the fixing elements 1520, 1530, 1350, and 1410 are configured as adhesive elements. It should be noted that the material-locking connections 1896, 1897, 1898, and 1899 can also be configured as welded connections, etc.

[0106] Alternatively, the flexible and foldable circuit board 300 or the first circuit board segment 611 is fixed to the laser diode holder 660 by a solder connection that connects the laser diode 135 pressed into the laser diode holder 660 to the first circuit board segment 611.

Claims

1. A laser unit (130) for a rotating laser instrument (100), comprising a laser module housing (210) in which a laser diode (135) for generating a laser beam (251) and a collimating lens (230) for collimating the laser beam (251) are arranged, wherein, The laser diode (135) is provided with a monitoring diode (299), and wherein an automatic power adjustment circuit (410) is provided for automatically adjusting the laser power of the laser diode (135) based on the measurement of the laser power of the monitoring diode (299), characterized in that a photodiode (260) is provided for measuring the laser power independently of the monitoring diode (299).

2. The laser unit according to claim 1, characterized in that, The monitoring diode (299) is a monitoring diode integrated into the laser diode (135).

3. The laser unit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The photodiode (260) is equipped with a protection circuit (420) configured to disable the laser diode (135) by interrupting the current supply to the laser diode (135) via the control line (812) or to disable the automatic power adjustment circuit (410) via the control line (423) if the laser power measured by the photodiode (260) exceeds a predetermined laser power limit.

4. The laser unit according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The laser diode (135) is provided with a laser diode holder (295; 660), the photodiode (260) is provided with a photodiode holder (265; 622), and / or the collimating lens (230) is provided with a collimating lens holder (220).

5. The laser unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The laser module housing (210) has a receiving portion (211) which constitutes a laser diode holder (295) for accommodating the laser diode (135) and a photodiode holder (265) for accommodating the photodiode (260). A beam splitter (270) is arranged in the receiving portion (211), wherein the laser diode (135) is arranged on the incident side (271) of the beam splitter (270) and the photodiode (260) is arranged on the emitting side (272) of the beam splitter (270).

6. The laser unit according to claim 5, characterized in that, The collimating lens (230) is arranged on the other exit side (273) of the beam splitter (270).

7. The laser unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, The laser module housing (210) has a first receiving portion (501) configured as a photodiode holder (265) for receiving the photodiode (260); and a second receiving portion (502) configured as a laser diode holder (295) for receiving the laser diode (135), wherein the first receiving portion (501) is arranged perpendicular to the second receiving portion (502), and the second receiving portion (502) is arranged collinearly with the optical axis (232) of the collimating lens (230).

8. The laser unit according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first receiving portion (501) is arranged spaced apart from the second receiving portion (502) along the longitudinal extension (201) of the laser module housing (210).

9. The laser unit according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The first receiving portion (501) is arranged along the direction (922) of the maximum divergence of the radiation characteristics (911) of the laser diode (135).

10. The laser unit according to claim 4, characterized in that, A circuit board (300) is provided, on which the laser diode (135) and the photodiode (260) are arranged, wherein the circuit board (300) and the photodiode holder (622) are arranged on the laser diode holder (660).

11. The laser unit according to claim 10, characterized in that, The circuit board (300) has at least one first circuit board segment (611) and a second circuit board segment (610) arranged perpendicular to or parallel to the first circuit board segment (611), wherein the laser diode (135) is arranged on the first circuit board segment (611) and the photodiode (260) is arranged on the second circuit board segment (610).

12. The laser unit according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The circuit board (300) is constructed as a flexible circuit board.

13. The laser unit according to any one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that, The laser module housing (210) has a receiving portion (711) which constitutes a collimating lens holder (711).

14. The laser unit according to any one of claims 4 to 13, characterized in that, The distance (290) between the laser diode (135) and the collimating lens (230) is variable, wherein the laser diode holder (295; 660) of the laser diode (135) is arranged in the receiving portion (502; 643) of the laser module housing (210) in a manner movably arranged along the longitudinal extension (201) of the laser module housing (210), and / or the collimating lens holder (220) of the collimating lens (230) is arranged in the inner receiving portion (212) of the laser module housing (210) in a manner movably arranged along the longitudinal extension (201) of the laser module housing (210), wherein the inner receiving portion (212) is collinear with the optical axis (232) of the collimating lens (230).

15. A rotating laser device (100) having a laser unit (130) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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